Power is a theme ubiquitous throughout the plot of the play
Coriolanus. This may arise from the nature of the setting of the play. a Post -
monarchy Rome still searching for the perfect power dynamic in
civilization. This predicament leads to tension and struggle between
powerful individuals and social groups further emphasizing the theme of
power.
Coriolanus, the strong military leader is powerful in physique,
strength and military expertise. He lacks weakness in all personal assets
except for the art of speech, in which he evidently flounders to master
multiple times throughout the plot. Shakespeare uses this character to
demonstrate a contrast between physical or military strength, and political and
social strength.
This is efficaciously accented with the use of the character of
Menenius possessing the abilities of speech and a smooth tongue that allow him
to persuade and navigate the complex system of Roman Politics. His
juxtaposition to Coriolanus also construes him as an ideal foil, emphasizing
Coriolanus’ short comings. Similarly, Volumnia - Coriolanus' power driven
mother– gains power through her poised articulation and early nurturing of her
son. She is essentially the one who drives Coriolanus towards the world of
politics, in which he is clearly ill-suited.
Finally, Aufidius, the general of the Volsces Army and arch
nemesis of Coriolanus can be characterized as a conniving opportunistic
individual. he can be seen taking advantage of situations and suppressing
his anger and true emotions in order to manipulate such situations for his own
prosperity.
Each of the characters depict a form of power and represent a sect
of Roman Civilization. Therefore, Shakespeare is fundamentally correlating the
death or fate of Coriolanus’ character to the maladjustment of military power
in modern Rome.
